Togarmah
Summary
A grandson of Japheth through Gomer, whose descendants are generally identified with the Armenians, known in Ezekiel's time as merchants of horses and mules.
☩Table of Nations
Togarmah was the third son of Gomer and grandson of Japheth, his brothers being Ashkenaz and Riphath. He thus belongs to the Japhetic branch of humanity that spread northward and westward from the cradle of civilization.
☩Trade with Tyre
The descendants of Togarmah are mentioned among the merchants who traded with Tyre, specifically dealing in horses, horsemen (war horses), and mules. Armenia was renowned in antiquity for breeding excellent horses, and this trade fits well with the Armenian identification.
☩Army of Gog
In Ezekiel's prophecy against Gog, the house of Togarmah from the 'uttermost parts of the north' appears among the forces allied with Gog, alongside Persia, Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer, and others. This northern location accords with the Armenian identification.
☩Identification with Armenia
The Armenians themselves have traditionally identified their country with Togarmah, representing Haik, the legendary founder of their race, as a son of Thorgom (a variant of Togarmah). The philological connection is supported by the relationship between Armenian and other Indo-European languages, particularly Phrygian. Some scholars derive the name from Sanskrit 'toka' (tribe) plus 'Arma' (Armenia). The Jewish identification of Togarmah with the Turks stems from the Septuagint spelling Thorgama, which resembles Turkoman.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Togarmah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Togarmah," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Togarmah," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).